Serious thoughts / experiences of fluoxetine (prozac) ?

Hi anon: many years ago doctors gave me Prozac. I was just happy and smiling, but then I began to have anxiety issues, and I could not go out of my house. I also didnt want to socialize either. If I were to recommend anything to you it would be not to take Prozac, once you get on any anti depressant it's very hard to come off it. Prozac is a great drug but has too many side effect. I would actually talk to the doctor about Wellbutrin. It doesn't make you gain weight, and doesn't have many side effects. And is easy to wean yourself off of if need be. Believe me I have been on so many, I finally at 69 yrs, old know myself and know when I am feeling sad, angry, etc. All signs of depression, my theory is that you have to know yourself , meds are great answers but tough to take because of some side effects. But Prozac is a tough drug.

Fluoxetine (Prozac) has been proven to be highly beneficial for millions of people. The pamphet that comes with every med nowadays has to list every incident however slight just in case a patient does have a reaction. That pamphlet gives details of the likely percentages and is a fair guide to follow as to the liklihood of the patient having a specific reaction.

Your GP will already be aware of any dangers and possible conflicts, even the computer in front of him will flag up any possible conflict with existing meds or illnesses. You need to discuss any meds with your GP before the consultation ends. That can save a lot of doubt.

Why did you go to your GP? Did you tell your GP all your symptoms? You need to be completely open during any consultation even if your GP has know you for many years. To accept a prescription and then not take the meds is counterproductive firstly for you and secondly for any future consultation. That is why you need to ask about the meds during the consultation.

In view of what you say then your first act now should be to go back to your GP. Explain that after reading the pamphlet you got very worried and now you need to know if you should take the Prozac or will he give you another drug. Bear in mind that any other drug will have its own list of possible reactions. You need mecial help, so ask your GP. Whether we tell you yes or no is no help at all because each of us is different, our circumstances are different and the drug actions are different for each of us.

If you are too worried about antidepressants to take the Prozac, you should go back to your doctor and let him/her reassure you about safety issues.  You can always ask for a referral for talk therapy without drugs.  Prozac has a good safety record and is well tolerated. It may be the easiest antidepressant to wean off of if you think it isn't helping.  Prozac has a good chance of making you feel better, but no antidepressant is guaranteed to do that.  Write down all of your concerns, and go back to your doctor for answers.  Your doctor didn't do anything unusual in prescribing Prozac.  If you are having thoughts about harming yourself, you might not be able to wait until the Prozac has time to make you feel better.  You may not want to wait for another appointment with your doctor. Tell a friend or relative that you feel that you are a danger to yourself and seek help from a professional immediately.

Thank you for the replies

prozac can have negative side effect such as bad thoughts or feelings but it does not happen in every case.  With antidepressants you have to give them a chance over a few months to work. Don't maybe give in so easily.

Richard